This past Saturday, Greenbelt Mayor Emmett Jordan, members of the Greenbelt Arts Council and residents gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a new public work of art. Not a sculpture, not a mural, but a beautified former newspaper container painted by community member Elizabeth Barber.
“This is a special moment when art in a public space inspires unity within our community,” said Jordan. The newspaper container located at the bus stop on Southway at Crescent Road is now being used to share free magazines. “I got the idea one day when I was sitting at the bus stop and a man next to me said he wished he had something to read,” said Barber. The box is painted on all four sides including a mural of Greenbelt Lake on the back. Jordan said, “I’m a big believer in public art and would love to see more public works of art in Greenbelt.”
Barber and other local artists feel the same way and are hoping to make the process of displaying art in the community easier. Greenbelt resident Shaymar Higgs, a member of the Arts Advisory Board, filled the container with issues of Popular Science. “I make murals, textiles and ceramics and I’ve been working to bring more art into the community.”
Chef Lou contributed to the celebration with his famous chocolate cake, specialty cookies and sweet tea. “This simple act of love bringing together art and knowledge at a public bus stop might change someone’s life. Imagine a little girl reaching for a magazine that contains an idea that inspires her future,” said Chef Lou.